ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that not only human activity but the surface properties influence air quality and airflow patterns, atmospheric heat transport, and shortwave and longwave radiation balances. Through a parallel ongoing PhD research focuses on the impact of architectural form in street microclimate and in particular in the study of airflow developed between the ETH in Zurich and the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department in Princeton University. It becomes familiar with the scientific methodologies applied for the study of airflow in prototypical urban structures such as urban canyons. Numerical and physical simulations prove appropriate for design validation, fine-tuning and post-rationalization purposes ideal for the late stages of the project development. The emerging mega-city is constantly in conversation with nature; unlike the Continuous Monument, Eroded Urbanism engages nature both on an ecological and an aesthetic level. Urbanism provides the flexibility to constantly adjust to any type of market and scale of development.
